Santa's Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

Christmas in New York: Santa's Rickshaw Sleigh Ride. Rated 5.0 across 1 review. From $200.

Overview

The rickshaw on this tour is dressed up as Santa's sleigh, blankets and all, and a guide pedals it from Central Park South through Midtown's Christmas lights; duration is on the live listing. You meet at 190 Central Park S, settle in under a blanket, and let the driver do the work while the city's holiday decorations roll past. Commentary runs the whole way, mixed with festive music and holiday trivia.

The route covers the big Midtown Christmas names in one loop. There is a stop in Central Park, then the decorated windows and light shows along Fifth Avenue, including Saks, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bergdorf Goodman. A photo stop at the Plaza Hotel comes before the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is decorated with holiday lights above the skating rink. From there the ride continues to Herald Square, where Macy's has a long history of Christmas window displays, and then to Bryant Park's Winter Village with its tree, market and rink. The tour finishes in Times Square.

It suits couples, families and groups of friends who want a festive ride through the holiday lights. Stops are built in for photos at the major sights. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is offered as an optional extra, and it is not part of the base price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Central Park SouthThe meeting point is 190 Central Park S, New York. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way to the start.
2. Central Park stopThe ride begins with a break, photo stop and visit in Central Park. An optional horse-drawn carriage ride here is an extra paid activity, not included in the tour price.
3. Fifth Avenue windowsThe rickshaw glides down Fifth Avenue past the holiday window displays and light shows, with a break and photo stop along the way.
4. Plaza Hotel photo stopA short stop at the Plaza Hotel to see its holiday decorations and take photos.
5. Rockefeller CenterPhoto stop and visit at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and skating rink, the tour's headline sight, with time to take pictures.
6. Herald Square and Macy'sPhoto stop and visit at Herald Square, home of Macy's and its long-running Christmas window displays.
7. Bryant Park Winter VillageBreak, photo stop and visit at the Winter Village, with its Christmas tree, holiday market and ice-skating rink. Skating itself is not included.
8. Finish at Times SquareThe ride ends in Times Square, where the billboards and seasonal decorations close out the loop.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing are worth knowing before booking this ride.

• Dress for cold. The tour runs outdoors and operates in all weather conditions, so the listing tells travellers to dress warmly and appropriately. Blankets are provided in the rickshaw, but warm clothing is still on the bring list. Comfortable shoes help at the photo stops.
• Bring a camera. Photo stops are planned at Central Park, Fifth Avenue, the Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center, Herald Square and Bryant Park. The listing also warns travellers to be prepared for festive photo opportunities, so a camera is worth having ready.
• Optional extras cost more. The horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park and ice skating at Wollman Rink are optional and paid separately. Food, drinks and tips are also not included. Budget for these if the full set of extras appeals.
• Pace and effort. The guide pedals the rickshaw, so travellers ride rather than walk the route. Stops involve getting in and out for photos at the major sights. The ride is warm and sheltered, with blankets provided.
• Languages offered. The tour is listed in English.
• Group feel. The listing pitches the ride at couples, families and groups of friends, with a personalized experience and fun facts from the guide. Commentary is cheerful and holiday-themed, with festive music during the ride.

Common issues. The tour holds a 5.0 rating from a single review so far, so the practical limits come from the listing itself. There is no hotel pickup, and the meeting point at 190 Central Park S must be reached independently. The carriage ride, ice skating, food and drinks, and tips all cost extra beyond the tour price. The tour runs in all weather conditions, which means a cold or wet night goes ahead as planned, and smoking is not allowed during the ride.

Decisions To Make Before You Book